Positive Psychology in Practice (Linley & Joseph 2004) puts forth a fascinating perspective into the process of choice-making and its effect on happiness.
Since we’re constantly making choices, big and small, it is well-worth examining this study in greater depth over the next few weeks.
Satisficing vs. Maximizing
When it comes down to decisions, folks generally fall into one of two categories:
· Maximizers seek optimization and go to great lengths to find the best possible option.
· Satisficers content themselves with the option that satisfactorily meets their criteria.
1,700 people participated in the survey, and the verdict is in: Satisficers are happier, more optimistic, less likely to compare themselves to others, and enjoy greater overall contentment in life! They don’t spend countless amounts of energy and brain-power chasing down a percieved “best possible option,” and their needs are still being met. Of course, effective satisficing requires a clear and balanced understanding of needs (never settle for less than you deserve!).
The Maximizer’s Dilemma
Highly toxic to happiness is regret. Every choice we make comes at the expense of a choice we don’t, and, in a world of a many choices, Maximizers set themselves up.
Although it is the Maximizers’ worst fear, regret is a natural by-product of a Maximizing mind. When making large purchases, for example, Maximizers will often suffer from Buyer’s Remorse: the notion that rejected alternatives were actually better than what was chosen. Nastier still, Maximizers can suffer from anticipated regret, preventing or forestalling their decision entirely. Maximizers are very good at imagining a better alternative in any scenario, thus keeping happiness and satisfaction at arm’s length.
An Economic Theory of Happiness :
Accept and appreciate the good that comes, rather than rejecting it to pursue something better.
Stay tuned for next week’s edition, as we continue to explore the psychology of satisfaction!
Since we’re constantly making choices, big and small, it is well-worth examining this study in greater depth over the next few weeks.
Satisficing vs. Maximizing
When it comes down to decisions, folks generally fall into one of two categories:
· Maximizers seek optimization and go to great lengths to find the best possible option.
· Satisficers content themselves with the option that satisfactorily meets their criteria.
1,700 people participated in the survey, and the verdict is in: Satisficers are happier, more optimistic, less likely to compare themselves to others, and enjoy greater overall contentment in life! They don’t spend countless amounts of energy and brain-power chasing down a percieved “best possible option,” and their needs are still being met. Of course, effective satisficing requires a clear and balanced understanding of needs (never settle for less than you deserve!).
The Maximizer’s Dilemma
Highly toxic to happiness is regret. Every choice we make comes at the expense of a choice we don’t, and, in a world of a many choices, Maximizers set themselves up.
Although it is the Maximizers’ worst fear, regret is a natural by-product of a Maximizing mind. When making large purchases, for example, Maximizers will often suffer from Buyer’s Remorse: the notion that rejected alternatives were actually better than what was chosen. Nastier still, Maximizers can suffer from anticipated regret, preventing or forestalling their decision entirely. Maximizers are very good at imagining a better alternative in any scenario, thus keeping happiness and satisfaction at arm’s length.
An Economic Theory of Happiness :
Accept and appreciate the good that comes, rather than rejecting it to pursue something better.
Stay tuned for next week’s edition, as we continue to explore the psychology of satisfaction!
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